Steve Jobs: Games industry pays tribute to Apple co-founder

Leading figures from the games industry have paid tribute to Steve Jobs, who died on Wednesday, October 5.

Jobs had a huge impact on the world of computing and technology, with a direct influence on the development of games consoles, as well as on publishers and developers.

In recent years, the introduction of iPhone's App Store has seen a fundamental shift in how mobile games are played and sold, moving away from traditional boxed products to cheaper, more accessible downloadable games.

Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello said that Jobs was "the best role model for a leader that aspires to be great".

"Steve was one of a kind. For many of us working in technology and entertainment, Steve was a new kind of hero that lead with big, bold moves and would not settle for less than perfection."

Gears of War, Infinity Blade and Unreal Engine publisher Epic Games president Mike Capps said: "Steve advised us to 'find what you love.' He found what he loved, and he changed our entire world doing it.

"His passion united so many talented people to focus on innovation, on quality, on usability. Steve's true legacy isn't in the products built so far, but in his lasting vision that guides Apple in bringing us the future."

Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima commented on the profound effect Apple's products have had on his life, saying: "I have been using Mac since 1995. I always chose Mac for an editing tool. MP3 is Mac. Mobile is Mac. I always use Mac for home, work and hobby. Otakon started to use Mac from MGS4. I have been living with the apple."

id Software co-founder John Carmack, the creator of Doom and Quake, said: "RIP Steve Jobs. The world is richer for his contributions."

Minecraft creator Markus Persson said: "I'm very sad to hear you left us, Steve. You were the only one keeping things interesting."

Hand Circus founder Simon Oliver, creator of iPhone smash Rolando, commented: "Truly saddened by Steve Jobs' death - the iPhone changed the last the last 3 years of my life unimaginably."

Mass Effect executive producer Casey Hudson said: "Steve Jobs wrote a key thread in the narrative of my life, from Apple II to iPad. Can't imagine what it would have been like without him."